Mother's Day Writing Activities for Teachers
Mother's Day is a great opportunity for students to express in writing their feelings about their moms. These assignments can be done in the classroom or as homework and can be accompanied by drawings and photographs or incorporated into a live program for very special guests of honor.
-
Mother Knows Best
-
This activity combines the performing arts with some historical research. The objective is for each student to write a two- to four-page skit in which the mother of a famous person gives her children advice about the future. Examples: Madame Curie's mother could encourage her daughter to pursue her passion for science; Christopher Columbus could share his plans about taking a dangerous voyage and be advised to take an extra sweater in case the new world is cold; William Shakespeare's mum could express her worries that play writing may not be able to pay the bills.
Thank You Letter
-
In this exercise, each student writes a letter to his mother and thanks her for everything from buying his favorite cereal to never missing a soccer game, or for always making the time to listen even when he knows she's really busy. These are the kinds of sentiments that mean more to moms than any store-bought card and will be treasured a lifetime. To make the letter even more special, provide the students with nice stationery and matching envelopes.
-
Memories Are Made of This
-
Like the thank-you letter in the previous section, this writing assignment is done on nice stationery and is an essay that relates the student's earliest or favorite memory of mom. Examples might include a family vacation, a trip to the zoo, having a party or making something together. This is also an assignment that lends itself to illustrations or photographs. A variation on this is to spread the essay out over several 5-by-7 inch horizontal blank cards, punch two holes on the left side, and assemble the pages with ribbons or yarn to create a small booklet.
Certificate Books
-
This writing exercise uses 8 1/2-by-11 inch paper in different colors. Cut each sheet into equal thirds and have the students individually decorate each "coupon." It can also be set up as a template on a computer, then printed out and cut. Certificates can be promises to take out the trash, clean a room, help with a meal, wash the dishes, walk the dog or give extra hugs. The certificates can then be stapled like a booklet or kept loose and placed in a colorful envelope.
Crossword Puzzles
-
In this exercise, students make a list of 25 adjectives that best describe their mom. The second part of the challenge is to create a crossword puzzle that uses all of these words and provides clues so that Mom can figure out the puzzle. A variation on this is to incorporate words that have special significance to Mom. Examples might include the month the child was born, the city where the family spent its last vacation, or Mom's favorite color, flower or food.
The Story of Mom
-
This writing exercise is an essay that describes where Mom was born, who her parents were, where she went to school, how she met Dad, and what kinds of jobs she has held. This can be combined with an interview exercise. Students can interview Mom directly to get the answers they need, or they can get help from friends and relatives who will be all too happy to participate in what's going to be a very sweet and nostalgic present.
History of Mother's Day
-
For this writing exercise, students find out as much as they can about how Mother's Day started and how it is celebrated around the world. To make the assignment more challenging, have them turn their findings into a rhyming poem or haiku.
-
